How do you treat a black eye at home. What are the signs that a black eye requires medical attention. When should you see a doctor for a black eye. What are some potential complications of a black eye.

Understanding Black Eyes: Causes and Medical Terminology

A black eye, medically known as a periorbital hematoma, is a common injury that occurs when blood collects underneath the skin around the eye area. This condition typically results from a blow to the eye region or the nose. While most black eyes heal on their own, persistent cases may indicate an underlying medical issue or medication side effects.

The term “hematoma” refers to a collection of blood beneath the skin’s surface. In the case of a black eye, this accumulation occurs in the delicate tissues surrounding the eye, leading to the characteristic discoloration and swelling associated with this injury.

Common Causes of Black Eyes

• Direct impact to the eye area
• Nasal injuries
• Sports-related accidents
• Falls or collisions
• Surgical procedures near the eye

It’s important to note that while most black eyes result from physical trauma, they can occasionally be a symptom of more serious conditions or the side effect of certain medications. Understanding the cause of your black eye is crucial in determining the appropriate treatment and whether medical intervention is necessary.

Home Remedies for Black Eye Treatment

In most cases, a black eye can be effectively treated at home without the need for medical intervention. Here are some proven remedies to help alleviate pain, reduce swelling, and promote faster healing:

1. Applying Ice Packs

One of the most effective immediate treatments for a black eye is the application of ice. How should you apply ice to a black eye? Follow these steps:

1. Wrap an ice pack or a bag of frozen vegetables in a clean cloth or towel.
2. Apply the cold compress to the affected area for 15-20 minutes.
3. Repeat this process every hour.

It’s crucial to never apply ice directly to the skin, as this can cause damage. Also, contrary to popular belief, using raw meat on the eye is not recommended due to the risk of bacterial infection.

2. Using Warm Compresses

After the initial 48 hours, switching to warm compresses can be beneficial. Why use warm compresses for a black eye? Warmth helps increase blood flow to the area, which can accelerate the healing process. Apply a warm, damp cloth to the eye for 10-15 minutes at a time, several times a day.

3. Elevating the Head

Keeping the head elevated, especially when lying down, can help prevent fluid accumulation under the eyes. This simple technique can significantly reduce swelling. Use extra pillows to prop up your head while sleeping, or consider resting in a recliner until the swelling subsides.

4. Over-the-Counter Pain Relief

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can help manage pain and reduce inflammation associated with a black eye. However, it’s important to avoid aspirin, as it may increase bleeding and bruising.

5. Natural Remedies

Some people find relief using natural remedies. For instance, applying chilled cucumber slices to the eye for 10 minutes at a time can provide a soothing effect. While scientific evidence for these methods is limited, they are generally safe to try alongside conventional treatments.

When to Seek Medical Attention for a Black Eye

While most black eyes heal on their own, there are situations where medical intervention is necessary. It’s crucial to recognize the signs that indicate a need for professional medical care.

Signs of Serious Head Injury

If a black eye results from a blow to the head and is accompanied by any of the following symptoms, seek emergency medical attention immediately:

• Fainting or temporary loss of consciousness
• Severe or persistent headache
• Blood or fluid coming from the nose or ears
• Blood on the surface of the eyeball
• Inability to move the eye
• Double vision or vision loss
• Confusion
• Nausea or vomiting

Other Reasons to Consult a Doctor

Medical attention is also warranted in the following situations:

• A crooked or painful nose following a blow to the face
• An object lodged in the eye
• Blood coming out of the eye
• Signs of infection, such as pus, foul odor, or spreading facial pain
• A black eye that doesn’t improve after three weeks

Remember, it’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to eye injuries. If you’re unsure about the severity of your condition, consult a healthcare professional.

Medical Treatments for Black Eyes

In cases where home remedies are insufficient or the black eye is a result of a more serious condition, medical intervention may be necessary. What medical treatments are available for black eyes?

1. Stitches

For severe injuries that have caused lacerations around the eye area, stitches may be required to stop bleeding and promote proper healing.

2. Antibiotics

If there’s a risk of infection or signs of an existing infection, a doctor may prescribe oral or topical antibiotics.

3. Surgical Intervention

In cases of severe injury, such as a broken nose or skull fracture, surgery may be necessary to repair the damage and prevent further complications.

4. Hospitalization and Monitoring

For individuals with a concussion or other serious head injuries, hospitalization may be required for close monitoring and appropriate treatment.

5. Specialized Consultations

If the cause of the black eye is unclear or if there are concerns about underlying conditions, a doctor may refer the patient to a specialist for further evaluation and treatment.

Underlying Conditions Associated with Persistent Black Eyes

While most black eyes heal within a few weeks, persistent cases may indicate an underlying medical condition. What conditions can cause prolonged or recurring black eyes?

1. Bleeding Disorders

Conditions that affect blood clotting, such as hemophilia or von Willebrand disease, can lead to easy bruising and prolonged healing of black eyes.

2. Medication Side Effects

Certain medications, particularly blood thinners like heparin and warfarin, can increase the likelihood of bruising and delay the healing process of a black eye.

3. Cellulitis

This bacterial skin infection can develop following an eye injury that breaks the skin. Without proper antibiotic treatment, the redness and swelling associated with cellulitis can persist.

4. Skull Fractures

In some cases, a skull fracture, especially one affecting the facial bones, can cause a persistent black eye. This is often due to the broken bone pressing on blood vessels in the area.

Preventing Black Eyes and Promoting Healing

While not all black eyes can be prevented, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk and promote faster healing if you do sustain this injury.

Protective Measures

• Wear appropriate protective eyewear during sports and other high-risk activities
• Use seatbelts and proper restraints in vehicles
• Childproof your home to prevent falls and collisions
• Be cautious when working with tools or in environments where flying debris is possible

Promoting Healing

To enhance the healing process of a black eye:

• Follow the home treatment recommendations consistently
• Avoid further injury to the affected area
• Get plenty of rest and maintain good overall health
• Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals
• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption, as these can slow healing

By taking these preventive measures and following proper care guidelines, you can minimize the risk of getting a black eye and ensure faster recovery if you do sustain this common injury.

Long-Term Effects and Complications of Black Eyes

While most black eyes heal without long-term consequences, it’s important to be aware of potential complications that can arise from this injury. What are some possible long-term effects of a black eye?

Vision Problems

In rare cases, a severe blow to the eye area can lead to lasting vision problems. These may include:

• Retinal detachment
• Traumatic glaucoma
• Corneal abrasions
• Orbital blowout fractures

If you experience any changes in vision following a black eye, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention.

Aesthetic Concerns

While most black eyes resolve completely, in some cases, there may be residual discoloration or subtle changes in the appearance of the eye area. These are usually temporary but can occasionally persist.

Psychological Impact

The visible nature of a black eye can sometimes lead to psychological distress, especially if it’s the result of physical abuse or if it affects one’s self-esteem. In such cases, seeking support from mental health professionals may be beneficial.

Recurrent Black Eyes

If you find yourself experiencing frequent black eyes without clear cause, it may be indicative of an underlying health condition or a need for lifestyle changes. Consult with a healthcare provider to determine the root cause and appropriate course of action.

Myths and Misconceptions About Black Eyes

There are several common myths surrounding black eyes that can lead to misunderstandings about their treatment and healing process. Let’s debunk some of these misconceptions:

Myth 1: Applying raw meat helps heal a black eye

Contrary to popular belief, placing raw meat on a black eye is not an effective treatment. In fact, it can introduce harmful bacteria to the injured area, potentially leading to infection. Stick to clean ice packs or cold compresses instead.

Myth 2: Black eyes always indicate a serious injury

While black eyes can result from severe injuries, they often occur from minor impacts and heal without complications. However, it’s important to monitor symptoms and seek medical attention if there are signs of a more serious condition.

Myth 3: You should immediately apply heat to a black eye

In the initial stages (first 24-48 hours), cold therapy is more beneficial for reducing swelling and pain. Heat should only be applied after this initial period to promote blood flow and healing.

Myth 4: Makeup can safely cover a black eye immediately

While it may be tempting to conceal a black eye with makeup, doing so too soon can irritate the injured area and potentially lead to infection. Wait until the initial swelling has subsided and any broken skin has healed before applying cosmetics.

Myth 5: All black eyes heal at the same rate

The healing time for a black eye can vary significantly depending on the severity of the injury, the individual’s overall health, and how well they follow treatment recommendations. Some may heal within a week, while others might take several weeks to resolve completely.

By understanding these myths and the facts behind black eye treatment, you can ensure you’re taking the most effective approach to healing and avoid potentially harmful practices.

How to get rid of a black eye: Remedies and treatments

There are many ways to treat a black eye at home, such as applying ice or a warm compress. These can relieve swelling and pain.

A black eye typically occurs after a blow to the eye area or the nose. If it develops due to injury, it will usually heal on its own. A persistent black eye may indicate an underlying medical issue or a side effect of certain medications.

The medical term for a black eye is a periorbital hematoma. A hematoma is a collection of blood underneath the skin.

This article explores home remedies that may help with healing a black eye. It also offers advice on when to see a doctor and lists some medical treatments.

In most cases, a black eye does not require medical treatment.

If a person knows the cause of the injury, and they do not suspect they have a serious head injury, simple home remedies can ease their symptoms.

Applying ice

Applying ice to a black eye soon after the injury will help with the swelling and pain. People can administer an ice pack to the eye every hour for 15–20 minutes at a time.

It is important to wrap the ice pack in a clean cloth or towel before applying it to the skin. Placing ice directly to the injury may cause skin damage.

It is a myth that putting steak or other raw meat on the eye will help more than ice. The bacteria from raw meat could get into the eye, which can trigger an infection.

As an alternative to ice packs, people can try applying chilled cucumbers to the eye for 10 minutes at a time.

Learn how to make a cold compress here.

Applying warm compresses

After the first 48 hours, people can apply warm compresses to the eye. The warmth will help bring blood to the area, which speeds up the healing process.

Learn more about heat therapy here.

Elevating the head when lying down

Keeping the head elevated will help prevent fluid from accumulating under the eyes. At night, a person should use extra pillows to prop up their head.

Alternatively, people could choose to sleep in a chair or recliner until the swelling subsides.

Taking pain relief

An over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen, can help reduce pain and inflammation.

People should avoid aspirin, as this may increase bleeding and bruising.

Avoiding further injury

To promote the healing of a black eye, a person can take steps to prevent further injury to the eye. This may involve avoiding certain sports or activities, and wearing protective eyewear when necessary.

A person should see a doctor if their black eye does not go away within 3 weeks.

People should seek emergency medical attention if they have a black eye from a blow to the head, which also accompanies any of the following signs of a serious head injury:

• fainting or a temporary loss of consciousness
• severe or persistent headache
• blood or fluid coming from the nose or ears
• blood on the surface of the eyeball
• inability to move the eye
• double vision
• vision loss
• confusion
• nausea or vomiting

A person should also seek immediate medical attention if they experience any of the following:

• a crooked or painful nose following a blow to the nose
• an object in the eye, or blood coming out of the eye
• signs of infection, such as pus, a foul odor, or pain that spreads across the face

A black eye may require medical treatment if it does not heal, or it is due to an underlying medical condition or severe head injury.

Medical interventions for a black eye depend on its cause. Some options include:

• stitches to prevent blood loss or aid the healing of serious wounds
• antibiotics for certain wounds and infections
• surgery to treat specific injuries, such as a broken nose or skull fracture
• hospitalization and monitoring for those with a concussion

If the reason for a broken nose is unclear, a doctor may refer the person for further testing or a consultation with a specialist.

Most black eyes are due to physical injury and will usually heal fully on their own.

A black eye that does not get better on its own, or does not respond to home treatment, may indicate an underlying issue, such as:

• Bleeding disorders: A persistent black eye or bruise can sometimes suggest a bleeding or blood clotting disorder.
• Medication side effects: Certain medications may promote bleeding or prolong bruising. Examples include drugs to prevent blood clots, such as heparin and warfarin. These medications can delay healing, resulting in a black eye that lasts longer than usual.
• Cellulitis: Cellulitis is a bacterial infection within the deeper layers of the skin. Cellulitis of the eye may develop following an eye injury that breaks the skin. Without antibiotic treatment, the symptoms of redness and swelling are likely to persist.
• Skull fracture: A skull fracture can cause a black eye, especially when it affects the facial bones. Sometimes, a broken bone presses on the blood vessels, preventing the black eye from healing. A skull fracture is a serious medical condition, so a person should seek prompt treatment for any severe blow to the face.
• Cancer: Very rarely, certain cancers can cause bleeding around the face, skull, and eyes. Certain cancers and cancer treatments can also make healing more difficult. This can cause a black eye or another injury to last much longer than usual.

A black eye can be intensely painful and may continue to look discolored for several weeks. In most cases, the pain and swelling will go away on their own.

A person should see a doctor if their black eye persists for more than 3 weeks, or if they cannot identify the cause. Sometimes, a black eye develops due to an underlying medical condition or a side effect of a particular medication. A doctor will work to identify the cause and provide appropriate treatment.

Sometimes, people develop a black eye following a head injury. Anyone who experiences symptoms of concussion or a severe head injury should seek emergency medical treatment.

Black eye – HSE.ie

A black eye is bruising and swelling around your eye, usually caused by a blow to the area, such as a punch or fall. It should get better within 2 to 3 weeks.

How to ease a black eye yourself

Do

• hold an ice pack to the area around your eye

• take painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen for any pain

• after the first 2 days, put a warm (not hot) heat pack or cloth to the area regularly during the day

Don’t

• do not take aspirin, unless prescribed by a GP, as this can make the bruising worse

• do not press or rub the area around your eye

• do not put ice directly on your skin

Icepack

If you do not have an icepack, you could use a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a cloth. Hold it to the area around your eye for about 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Repeat regularly during the first 1 to 2 days.

Non-urgent advice: See a GP if

you have a black eye and:

• you have severe pain or swelling
• you have a headache that doesn’t go away or blurry vision
• the area around your eye is warm or leaking pus
• your temperature is above 38 degrees Celsius, or you feel hot and shivery
• it does not go away within 3 weeks

Urgent advice: Ask for an urgent appointment if

you have a black eye and:

• you’re taking blood-thinning medication (such as warfarin)
• you have a bleeding disorder (such as haemophilia)

Emergency action required: Go to an emergency department (ED) if:

• there’s blood visible in your eye
• you have an irregularly shaped pupil (the black dot at the centre of the eye)
• you had a blow to the head and have bruising around both eyes
• you have problems with your vision, such as double vision, loss of vision, seeing flashing light, halos or shadows
• you have pain when looking at a bright light
• you cannot move your eye

Content supplied by the NHS and adapted for Ireland by the HSE

Page last reviewed: 26 April 2020

Next review due: 26 April 2023

This project has received funding from the Government of Ireland’s Sláintecare Integration Fund 2019 under Grant Agreement Number 123.

Swollen eyes: causes and how to deal with it

If you suffer from frequent puffy eyes and dark circles under the eyes, then you are probably wondering why this happens. There can be many reasons for this:

• skin specifics
• heredity
• effects of stress
• aging process
• fatigue due to fatigue

Sometimes puffy eyes are confused with swollen eyelids. But this is a slightly different symptom and its causes – trauma, allergies, inflammation and infection.

Very often, various folk remedies are recommended for swelling of the eyes – put cucumber slices on the eyes or use a cream for hemorrhoids such as Preparation H. These tips are effective, but still they fight only with the symptom, it is important to find the main reason why the eyes swell.

What causes swollen eyes?

The eye area swells due to the fact that excess fluid accumulates in the tissue surrounding the eye. The skin around the eyes is quite thin, so swelling and even a minimal discoloration immediately become noticeable.

Why does fluid accumulate?

There can be many reasons, here are the most obvious:

• excessive salt intake. Salt, as we know, is able to retain water in the body
• dehydration
• maxillary sinus problems
• fatigue and lack of sleep
• stress
• effects of prolonged crying
• aging: the adipose tissue that protects the eye inside the bony orbit of the skull moves forward over the years, the membrane that holds the fat on the upper and lower eyelids becomes thinner, and the fatty layer grows and comes to the fore. This creates the effect of bags or dark circles under the eyes.
• features of the structure of the person, inherited. It also happens that a person’s eyes are swollen, and this is a family trait.

Why are my eyes swollen in the morning?

At night our eyes are closed, we don’t blink.

And blinking is to the eyelids what walking is to the legs. Very often you can notice: if a person does not walk for a long time and is at rest, his legs swell. When walking, the muscles “disperse” the stagnant fluid. When moving, this excess fluid is released into the bloodstream. The same is the case with eyelid edema.

If a person has a tendency to form edema, then at night the eyelids remain motionless and fluid accumulates in them. Such people wake up and find decent bags under their eyes. Then the person opens his eyes, begins to blink actively and the swelling subsides, as the movement disperses the fluid.

Can swollen eyes indicate serious health problems?

Most often, swollen eyes are evidence that the body is tired, or aging, or it is an unpleasant genetic predisposition. But do not confuse puffy eyes and swollen eyelids.

If your eyelids are swollen sharply, this can be a warning symptom. This is a sure sign that there are serious health problems.

Swollen eyelids can signal:

• kidney failure and other systemic diseases
• eye infections, including conjunctivitis
• allergic reactions
• thyroid diseases
• inflammation associated with dry eye syndrome
• blepharochalasis

It is very difficult for oneself to reliably determine what exactly is wrong with the eyes – is it a simple swelling or a symptom of a dangerous disease, so in case of doubt, you should immediately contact a specialist. It is recommended to examine the eyes comprehensively. The ophthalmologist will prescribe an effective treatment or refer you for an additional medical examination.

How to deal with puffy eyes?

The most important thing to start treatment is to determine the root cause.

There are many tips on how to remove puffiness from the eyes, for example:

• get enough sleep
• use drops to relieve irritation
• Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
• Apply ice packs, cucumber slices, or chilled tea bags to closed eyes.
• use creams and other products for delicate skin around the eyes
• eat less salt
• Supplement your diet with potassium-rich foods (bananas) to remove excess fluid from the body.
• splash your face with cool water

If mom or dad has the same problem with puffy eyes, then the reason lies in genetics. Your doctor may then recommend cosmetic eyelid surgery. Blepharoplasty will be an effective solution in case of age-related changes. In case of complaints of bags under the eyes and dark circles, you can try to solve the problem by chemical peeling or laser skin resurfacing.

One of the most commonly recommended home remedies for puffy eyes on the internet is creams and ointments for hemorrhoids. Rub them into the skin around the eyes – and you will be happy, experts broadcast from computer screens. The active ingredient in these creams is phenylephrine, which constricts blood vessels. Due to this, firstly, the likelihood of excess fluid formation, which causes edema, is reduced. Secondly, if you narrow the dilated blood vessels in the area under the eyes, then dark circles become less noticeable. But these remedies are quite dangerous – if the ointment or cream gets into the eyes, there is a risk of getting chemical conjunctivitis – a serious inflammatory reaction. Therefore, before you run for an anti-hemorrhoid cream, you should consult your ophthalmologist, it is very likely that he will recommend safer and more effective remedies.

When is emergency medical attention needed?

Again, it is important to distinguish between puffy eyes and swollen eyelids. And if in the first case urgent help is not needed, then if the eyelids are swollen, then this may signal an illness. So getting a doctor’s recommendation will never be superfluous.

Source

Symptoms of the most common eye diseases

From Burt Dubow, OD

For the most common eye conditions, people are often unsure if symptoms such as redness or swelling of the eyes should be seen by a specialist.

This article lists eight symptoms of the most common eye conditions and advice on what to do if they occur.

In general, common eye diseases can be classified according to the main eye symptoms, which makes it easier to classify them and make specific recommendations. Main categories:

Please note that these recommendations only provide information and in no way replace the advice of an ophthalmologist.

Redness and irritation of the eyes

Redness and inflammation of the eyes occur for many reasons, including infection, inflammation, allergies, damage to blood vessels, and trauma. If the white of the eye (sclera) looks red or pink, you may have:

Pink eye (conjunctivitis). If you have children, you are almost certainly aware of an eye infection, namely pink eye. Adults can pick it up too. If the redness is due to some form of conjunctivitis, then you will also have symptoms such as itching, burning or stinging, discharge from the eyes, swelling or watering, or a combination of the above symptoms.
Some forms of conjunctivitis can be contagious, while others are not. Allergic conjunctivitis, for example, is not contagious. However, viral and bacterial forms of conjunctivitis are contagious. Therefore, if conjunctivitis occurs, you should immediately contact an ophthalmologist who will determine the type of conjunctivitis and prescribe the appropriate treatment.
Advice: Never rub your eyes until you know exactly what is causing the problem. Wash your hands frequently. Apply cold, wet compresses to closed eyelids to relieve symptoms.

Eye allergy. Allergies can be seasonal (spring and autumn), or can develop when an irritant (allergen) enters the eye, such as cat dander or smoke. Eye allergy symptoms include itchy eyes and redness, watery eyes, and puffy eyes.
How strong the reaction of the eyes will be depends on the time of year and the type of plants in your area. In some areas, people experience seasonal allergic manifestations in the spring and autumn. But many people also have year-round allergies to dust mites, mold, etc.
Tip: Try cold, wet compresses on closed eyelids. Oral over-the-counter antihistamines may also provide relief. If your allergy continues to bother you, see your ophthalmologist for a prescription drug to help relieve your symptoms.

Damaged blood vessel. The tiniest blood vessels in the sclera (the white of the eye) can be damaged by strain, movement, rubbing of the eyes, or just like that, for no reason. When this happens, the eye turns bright red from blood flowing under the clear conjunctiva, which covers the sclera. This is called subconjunctival hemorrhage.
Redness of the eye due to subconjunctival hemorrhage looks scary, but it is usually not harmful and is not an emergency.

Advice: To be on the safe side, consult an ophthalmologist within one or two days of first noticing symptoms to ensure there is no serious cause for vessel damage. With such hemorrhages, in general, there is no treatment other than time.

Eye injury. A blow to the eye can certainly cause redness, along with pain and blurred vision. The eye may be scratched, but there may also be hidden damage inside the eye, such as retinal detachment, which can be very serious and should be treated as quickly as possible. Except in cases of minor impact, it is important that an ophthalmologist evaluate the injury to the eye immediately.
Advice: For immediate relief, apply a very cold compress or ice pack to the injured eye. Don’t rub your eyes. If you are unable to contact an ophthalmologist, seek help from the emergency room.

Itchy eyes

Itchy eyes are almost always caused by some kind of allergy. In many cases, mild itching can be relieved with over-the-counter lubricating (moisturizing) eye drops. Do not use “whitening” eye drops, as long-term use may cause redness in the eyes. You can also use cold compresses or ice packs to help relieve itchy eyes.

More severe itching may require additional help, such as oral antihistamines or prescription eye drops. While itchy eyes are not an emergency, you may need to see an ophthalmologist for treatment or for a prescription.

If you have red, inflamed eyelids, you may have blepharitis. Be sure to visit an ophthalmologist to determine the cause and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

Tip: Avoid rubbing your eyes! When you rub your eyes, chemicals called histamines are released, which actually make it more itchy.

Blurry vision

If you suddenly develop blurry vision that does not go away, treat it as an emergency. Seek help from an ophthalmologist, hospital, or emergency room.

If you have blurred vision or a sudden blackout in one eye, as if there is a dark veil in front of your eyes, this is an emergency and you should be checked by an ophthalmologist. These symptoms may indicate a retinal detachment or even a stroke.

If you have slight blurry vision that comes and goes, it may be due to fatigue, dry eyes or eye strain. Be aware that mild blurry vision can occur with many eye conditions, including conjunctivitis, allergies, dry eyes, and even work that requires prolonged eye focus on nearby objects. Most of them are not emergency situations.

Tip: For mild blurry vision, try to relax your eyes. If blurry vision persists, see an ophthalmologist for an eye exam.

Eye puffiness

Unusual swelling around the eyes is often a sign of an allergy. Of course, swelling of the eye can be a consequence of an injury to the eye (for example, a blow to the eye).

Advice: If puffy eyes (or more specifically puffy eyes) are caused by an allergy, you may need an over-the-counter oral decongestant to help relieve symptoms.

Burning eyes

Burning eyes may be caused by allergies, dryness, fatigue, eye strain (eg from computer work) or a combination of the above. As a rule, a burning sensation is not an emergency, but if it does not go away, then you need to see an ophthalmologist.

Advice: Typically, burning or tingling in the eyes is relieved with over-the-counter lubricating (moisturizing) eye drops and rest. Cold, wet compresses on closed eyelids may also help.

Pain in the eyes

Pain in the eyes may be sharp or dull, internal or external, constant or variable, stitching or throbbing. As a general rule, if eye pain is accompanied by redness, treat it as an emergency and contact an ophthalmologist or emergency room immediately.

Persistent pain in the eyes, especially when moving the eyes or pressing lightly on the eyes, can sometimes indicate inflammation of some of the inner parts of the eye.

People with rheumatoid arthritis or fibromyalgia (chronic pain throughout the body) may experience associated eye pain. Sometimes discomfort can be caused by dry eyes. Sometimes the cause of eye pain is something serious, such as uveitis. This is an inflammation of the internal tissues of the eye, such as the iris. Again, this condition requires immediate treatment.

Eye pain with blurred vision should be considered an emergency. Seek help from an ophthalmologist, hospital emergency department, or emergency room.

Advice: If eye pain is dull and headache-like without redness or blurred vision, it could be caused by eye strain, eye strain, or even sinus inflammation. In such cases, if the discomfort persists with relaxing the eyes or taking over-the-counter pain relievers, see an ophthalmologist.

Black dots, flashes and floating flies in the eyes

Black dots and floating flies are common. They are caused by tiny particles of protein (collagen) that float in a clear gel-like vitreous body , which fills the inside of the eyeball.

With age, the vitreous liquefies, and these filamentous fibers and structures of various shapes move more freely (“float”) inside the vitreous, which makes them more visible. In addition, the vitreous can separate or detach from the retina, creating additional floating “flies” in the eyes.

But some floating “flies” in the eyes, especially if accompanied by flashes of light, can indicate serious processes occurring inside the eye that can lead to retinal detachment.

As a general rule, if you have a few small dots, threads or “bugs” in your eyes at times, depending on how tired you are or what kind of lighting is around, then these are normal floating “flies” in the eyes. But if you suddenly see flashes of light, a lot of floating “flies” in your eyes, foggy swirls, or a veil over part of your field of vision, then it’s best to visit an ophthalmologist as soon as possible or go to the emergency room.

In most cases, retinal detachment can be treated if it is done immediately. If nothing is done about retinal detachment, it can lead to loss of vision or even blindness.

Advice: In most cases, vitreous detachments that create black dots and floating “flies” in the eyes just need to be observed. But there is no way you can check for yourself what exactly is happening: a simple vitreous detachment or a much more serious retinal detachment. Therefore, with the sudden appearance of floating “flies” in the eyes, you should immediately contact an ophthalmologist.

Foreign object (something in the eye)

When something gets into the eye, it appears to be an emergency, and most often it is. Whatever gets in the eye, whether it be a piece of metal, a thorn or thorn, or any other sharp object, it is very important to contact an ophthalmologist or emergency department immediately.

Do not rub your eyes or try to remove an object stuck in your eye. This way you can do more damage. Cover the injured eye with a paper cup, secure it lightly with duct tape (or put on goggles if you have them) and seek help.

Tip: Be realistic. Not everything that enters the eye is a serious hazard. From time to time, we all get something in the eye.